Via: The San Francisco Chronicle

Thursday, February 21, 2013

CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn is praising a bill that would regulate high-volume oil and gas drilling in Illinois, saying it’ll help the economy.

Quinn released a statement Thursday after two downstate lawmakers introduced the bill to establish ground rules for hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”

The method uses high-pressure mixtures of water, sand or gravel and chemicals to crack open rock formations and release oil and gas. The industry is eyeing southern Illinois’ New Albany shale.

Quinn says he’s committed to protecting the environment and creating jobs.

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